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Shopkeeper Spotlight – April Petersen of Pink + Frillos

Today, I’m spotlighting April Petersen of Pink + Frillos! If you’re looking for some Facebook Live inspiration and for someone who does it well, you should follow April. She’s funny, she’s charming and she doesn’t take it all too seriously!

Let’s start her well-deserved spotlight:

Tell us about your shop

Pink + Frillos will be open 3 years in April 2019. We feature gifts, vintage finds, cheery home decor and easy to wear clothing.

Where can we find your shop?

12810 Lincoln Lake Ave, Gowen, MI 49326.

Website https://www.pinkandfrillos.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinkandfrillos

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkandfrillos/

How long have you been a shopkeeper?

3 years. When the shop opened I had zero retail or shop-keeping experience.

What is your strength as a shopkeeper?

My strength is authenticity. I believe my customers feel like they know me and have built trust with me. I also have a strong commitment to the absolute best customer service and in turn, I have very loyal customers.

What is your weakness as a shopkeeper?

My biggest weakness is organization, time management, organization… I am learning how to be a boss, but it is a very new skill set for me. It’s not my favorite part. Being a creative person serves me well in a lot of ways but makes things difficult when it comes to consistent organization.

What do you attribute most of your shop’s success to?

I know without a doubt that my store would not be successful without social media. People find me through Facebook videos and Instagram posts primarily. My location is not good, no one would ever say it was an ideal place to open a shop. I’m in the middle of a rural area with no other retail anywhere nearby. Our downtown is maybe 8 miles away and although it’s starting to revive, is not known for its great shopping. I chose my location because it was very close to my house and I was able to purchase the building.

The shop is also a bright and welcoming space. I think people really respond to the feeling they have when they walk in and it brings them back.

What’s your top piece of advice to anyone who wants to open up a shop like yours?

To someone thinking about starting a shop… Start before you’re totally ready. You can think and plan yourself into stalling. Set a date and open.

Also, treat your customers like gold. It may cost you a little money occasionally but it will pay off in the long run.

And most of all remember, it’s supposed to be fun. Have fun. Get help as soon as you can so that when it stops being fun you can take a break and remember why you started. You’re doing something that so many people dream about doing but don’t. That’s a gift!!

What’s your WHY?

Gratitude. I opened my shop at 44. I talked about “owning a little shop” forever but it never occurred to me that it might actually be possible. It was a dream that I never took seriously. Then when the opportunity presented itself, it felt like I had been handed a gift. As if God said, “Hey, I’ve had this awesome thing here, just waiting for you to be ready. Now you’re ready, so run with it.” I think I always knew there was something I was meant to do but I had no idea what it was. Now, when I walk into the shop and remember how it all came to be I can’t help but feel overwhelming gratitude.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Honestly, I have no idea. I don’t remember ever talking about what I wanted to be. Maybe no one ever asked me? I went to college for Elementary Education (that only lasted a half a semester…). I ended up with a degree in Commercial Recreation and thought I would work in resorts in all the coolest destinations. I did. Then I got married and moved back to my hometown and I’m so glad I did.

Do you want to be spotlighted? Click here to submit your entry. Both online shop owners and brick & mortar store owners are welcome to submit their stories!

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More about Kathy

I'm a Home Decor Boutique owner and lover of beautiful retail spaces. Several years ago I began a bootstrapping journey to retail ownership. Learning many things along the way, I quickly realized the value of systems, online tools, social media, marketing and business organization. It became a passion and a service that I knew could help others. As a result, Savvy Shopkeeper was born. Read More…